Entry 2: Gathering Intel

Still Day 1

My handler told me over a scratchy radio connection that the Newcrest neighbourhood, where I’ve been placed, has recovered the best environmentally so far, perhaps because it was a newer neighbourhood without too many residents. Survivors roam the streets and are friendly enough, but nobody invites each other into their homes anymore. I can read the fear in their faces.

I’m a friendly person, and the intel I’ve received is limited, even though I did my best to read through a file during the drive here. So I decide to roam the neighbourhood and make friends with the roamers. I’m known to be quite friendly and while I’m not the most charismatic person in the world (yet), I’m definitely close to it. I don’t expect trust, but I’ll put people at ease best I can.

Besides, there’s not much to do in the house. There’s very limited internet (my computer asked me to input an employee passcode to gain access to any features) and I was only able to purchase low quality items. I imagine this a combination of damage to infrastructure and the economy.

I meet Marcus and Katrina right away near an empty tram that trawls along the remnants of its tracks. They ignore it, so I do the same.

I learn from Marcus and Katrina that the radioactivity saps residents of their strength. Any item larger than one tile cannot be moved once placed and carrying more than one stack of items in the inventory is impossible. Marcus and Katrina work out as much as they can to slow the muscular atrophy and encourage me to do the same. I have a vague memory of going for jogs to relieve myself of negative emotions, so I look forward to following their advice.

Next, I meet Supriya and Bjorn. They tell me that, due to the water quality, we cannot shower or bathe. Washing up in limited amounts in the sink is considered safe enough as long as we’re careful not to drink it. Luckily, as sims, we don’t need to drink to survive. Food is enough.

However, Supriya warns, this does have the consequence that nectar is undrinkable and babies cannot be bottle-fed. Breastfeeding is the only option. I’m nowhere near ready to have kids yet but I file that information away for later. My handler danced around the answer when I asked how long I’d be in Glassbolt, which tells me I’m probably going to be here for a very long time… if not for the rest of my life.

It’s not something I want to dwell on right now.

I run into a teen named Cassandra while exploring the neighbourhood and she fills me in on a few pieces of economic information. The retail industry is in shambles and the new fledgling market only opens on Sundays. If you need to buy anything on a different day, you’re out of luck.

She also explains why only low-quality items are available. The world at large has given up Glassbolt as a lost cause so only a few humanitarians still shuttle supplies in and can only offer cheap items due to a lack of funding. In combination with the market, we’re able to get necessities, but that’s about it. Cassandra also tells me she used to dream about reviving the shattered high tech industries that used to thrive here, but her parents just want her to stay safe and away from… prying eyes.

She won’t explain what she means by that, and leaves quickly thereafter. Sounds like the mob are running rampant or something. Maybe someone else will explain.

By this time, a few hours have passed and I’m feeling peckish. I run into a couple of people by a public restroom that is in okay condition, given the circumstances. Cat Lady doesn’t stop to chat, but I have a few words with an old man called Jacques.

“You hungry, young lady? Don’t even think about grilling the strawberries or mushrooms. Cooking wrecks them something awful. Eat those raw. Better head down to that there pond and catch something. Fish are about the only things still safe to cook in this godforsaken place. And don’t even think about trying to get a stove or fridge working. You’ll blow the electricity grid for the whole neighbourhood!”

I quote him directly because his colourful language has stuck in my mind. I thank him, but he’s already disappearing into the public restroom and I don’t want to become that Weird Stranger Who Hangs Outside Bathrooms.

The fishing goes well enough, despite the fact I’ve never done it before. I manage to catch one and fry it on the nearby grill. The stream is clearer than I expected. I guess it must be running water. Maybe that stops it from holding onto the radiation as much as wherever our plumbed water comes from.

There’s still more to learn in this place, but my first day is going well. The people have been open and friendly towards me, even if they seem a little nervous.

I start thinking… maybe I can do this.

(Using conversation to convey the rules is inspired by the Murray Apocalypse Challenge)